Airline safety and consumer comfort have taken the stage as IndiGo and Air India face criticism over damaged seat on their flights.  Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar had voiced concerns by displaying images of thin seat cushions aboard an IndiGo plane.  He asked the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to act firmly and chastised both airlines of employing a “chalta hai” approach towards passenger safety.  The issue drew further attention as Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had cited a similar occurrence one day earlier on an Air India flight.
IndiGo and Air India.  Under Close Review for Passenger Safety
Sunil Jakhar observed during a Chandigarh-Delhi IndiGo journey he had on January 27 several of the seat cushions were not firmly attached.  He immediately got in touch with the cabin crew about the issue, but because they cannot do anything at that time, he was advised to report it on the airline website.  Feeling letdown by this response, he shared images and highlighted the issue on X on social media.
In his essay, Jakhar pointed out that poorly maintained and broken chairs might compromise passenger safety.  He noted, though, that Air India has had similar concerns in the past, so this was not simply a problem of IndiGo.  Demanding the DGCA to intervene and ensure that safety standards are not compromised, he lambasted the airlines for their negligence.
Jakhar’s fast-growing post drew widespread notice and concerns, which led to passenger revolt against IndiGo and Air India.  Many IndiGo and Air India passengers recounted their personal experiences of discomfort and poor maintenance on their flights.  Critics said that such issues call into question the overall maintenance practices of big airlines and their commitment to passenger safety.
Jakhar also mentioned the similar issue that Shivraj Singh Chouhan, a day earlier, encountered on an Air India flight from Bhopal to Delhi.  Chouhan pre-paid for seat 8C, however upon arrival on the aircraft he saw it flooded and destroyed.  Declaring his displeasure, he questioned how an airline could enable such a situation to persist.
IndiGo’s solution does not compromise passenger safety.
IndiGo formally answered social media questions following criticism.  The airline emphasised that Velcro fasteners on removable cushions assist to facilitate chair maintenance and cleaning.  Their safety always comes first even though they knew these pillows sometimes break away.
Many consumers, however, disagreed with this response and said the airline should do more extensive maintenance inspections before allowing people on board.  Some further asked whether such issues would indicate more major disregard of safety and upkeep.
Apology and Questions by Air India
Right instantly, Air India responded to Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s complaint, apologising for any hardship.  The airline claimed to be investigating internally to see how a damaged seat was assigned to a passenger.  They assured us that going ahead corrective action will be taken to prevent similar issues.
Growing Debate on Airline Safety and Passenger Experience
The back-to–back complaints aimed at IndiGo and Air India have spurred once more the debate on airline safety rules in India.  More and more passengers are asking about the lack of accountability for their in-flight experiences.
Given these occurrences drawing national attention, authorities like the DGCA would soon be obliged to respond.  One thing is for sure: IndiGo and Air India are under pressure to improve their passenger experience and ensure that such grievances do not arise often. Unknown is if this results in stricter safety measures. source aajtak.in
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